I also prefer Perry’s version to Al’s but thanks for the comparison link, Peter.

Charles, when I’ve scanned these ‘Best Funeral Songs Ever’ compilation sites, I’ve also observed how the melancholy melodies enhance the mood of final farewells but the lyrics are often about relationship break-ups rather than loss through death.

And songwriters approach parting in so many ways, in this case a gratitude for good times passed, other times a desperate longing to stay together, and so on.

It’s the former that seems most cathartic in the context of bereavement.

A rule of thumb might be songs addressing a second person (you) rather than songs in the first person (I, me) work best. That said, 1960s hit Dream a Little Dream of Me’ by Mamas and the Papas is is a favourite melancholy love song.